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Clem Labine Obituary
Labine had been in a coma at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach for more than a week following brain surgery to explore a mass in his head, the team announced, and hospital spokeswoman Kim Leach-Wright confirmed his death.
Labine was hospitalized Feb. 13 because of pneumonia, shortly after completing a stint as an instructor at an adult "fantasy camp" at the Dodgers' training camp.
Labine spent 13 seasons in the major leagues, mostly as a bullpen specialist with the Dodgers, first in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles. He also pitched with Detroit and Pittsburgh, and briefly for the New York Mets.
In 1951, Labine was thrust into the three-game National League pennant playoff between the Dodgers and New York Giants. After the Giants won the opener, Brooklyn had no regular starter available for Game 2. Labine got the assignment by default and threw a six-hit shutout to keep the Dodgers alive in the best-of-three series. Bobby Thomson's ninth-inning home run won the pennant for the Giants the next day.
Labine would throw another shutout, allowing just seven hits in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series and beating the New York Yankees 1-0 in 10 innings to force a seventh game, which the Yankees won. That shutout came a day after Don Larsen's perfect game, the only no-hitter in World Series history.
Labine grew up in Woonsocket, R.I., and volunteered for the paratroopers during World War II.
In 1955, Labine enjoyed his best season, leading the league with 60 appearances and going 13-5, with 10 victories and 11 saves out of the bullpen. The Dodgers captured their first World Series that year with Labine winning Game 4 with 4 1-3 innings of relief and coming back the next day to pitch three more innings and save Game 5.
Labine accompanied the Dodgers on the move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958 and was with the team when it won the World Series in 1959.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
49 Entries
March 14, 2017
To the family of Clem and family sorry to hear about your lost
March 2, 2017
Sorry to hear about your lost .
Patricia Fusco
October 2, 2016
I was really sad to hear of Clem's passing in 2007. I'm sure your family won't remember me but when Clem was playing for the Dodgers he & his family lived across the street from our family on monogram street in Long Beach Calif,
We were so excited to have a ball player living that close,I remember playing with the kids, I followed Dodger baseball from then on, What a great player he was,Just heard a song called Dodger Blue & his name was mention,Brought back some old memories,
Harry Simpson
March 2, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life us.
Rest Clement, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
How you can show support
Rick Finkelstein
May 3, 2013
Clem was one of my dearest life-long friends. He worked off-season in my dad's company, starting way back in high school. He was a wonderful pitcher, but his kindness, humanity and generosity far outweigh anything he ever did on a baseball diamond. I miss him every day. Rick Finkelstein
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
MEMORY ETERNAL!
vickie riddle
June 28, 2010
I wrote my first Letter to the Editor at the age of 11, on behalf of Mr. Labine. I was an absolute Dodger fanatic from the moment they moved to LA and was distraught when the Dodgers released Mr. Labine. The LA Times printed a note he left for his teamates when he left the clubhouse. I think I asked that Mr. O'Malley be removed as the team pres and that Walter Alston be fired.....I don't think the letter was published but I did get a thank-you from the Times Editorial page editor-the Dodgers are still my team....Vickie L. Riddle, Springfield MA (born & raised in LA).....
Chip Hoins
November 22, 2009
My hearfelt sympathy to the Labine family. I was a loyal Brooklyn Dodger fan from April 1947 to 1957. I was born in Brooklyn and went to Ebbett's field with my Dad many times. I had just finished watching the movie version of "The Boys of Summer" which features Clem and his family. Clem was not only one of the "Boys of Summer" but also a member of the Greatest Generation. Thank you to the Labine family for letting us have a true sports hero.
Brenda Johnson
October 27, 2009
To the Family: Jesus says, at John 5:28 “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
Remember: God can help you to endure any and every problem they may face. He will give you the “power beyond what is normal” to go from one day to the next. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
It’s like what is stated:
“SORROW MAKES US ALL CHILDREN AGAIN—DESTROYS ALL DIFFERENCES OF INTELLECT. THE WISEST KNOW NOTHING.”—RALPH WALDO EMERSON, 19TH-CENTURY AMERICAN POET AND ESSAYIST
tom shefrin
January 5, 2009
I grew up in Newark NJ area and was a great Dodger fan and continue to be. Clem was one of my favorites; he pitched some great games especially in the '51 playoff and the '55 world series. I never met him in person but felt like I knew him from reading and other media. I may have seen him play in Brooklyn as I made it to Ebbetts twice . Will always be remembered and missed.
Ira Bourstein
December 19, 2007
Dear Barbara and Susan.My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Clem was a perfect gentleman and a classy man in every way. It was an honor knowing all of you.
Ira
Bud Whitlock
July 25, 2007
A true gentleman, you will be missed.
rest in peace Clem
David Shorr
May 23, 2007
I met Clem at the Dodger fantasy camp in Vero Beach. Every year for the last 20 years he was courteous, polite and a true gentleman. We discussed quite a lot from baseball to politics. I will truly miss him as will all everyone else who knew him
Barbara Labine
April 16, 2007
I miss you so much my heart hurts!
Gary & Rosemarie Richards
April 4, 2007
Mr. Labine was a wonderful polite man that we will never forget. My husband and I were saddened, and shocked when we found out of his passing. My husband and I enjoyed talking with him, as well as we enjoy his lovely wife Barbara. He always had a kind word. He will be missed. We are glad that he was our neighbor, and we do miss him. Truly a 5 Star Gentleman.
Bruce Phillips
March 10, 2007
A few months ago Mr. Labine was kind enough to sign team baseballs for the 1955&1959 Dodgers and the 1960 Pirates through the mail. I was sorry to hear of his passing.
Bob & Joan Barry
March 7, 2007
Condolences to the entire Labine family. Wonderful memories remain from Baseball and golf at Kirkbrae in R.I.
john seiders
March 7, 2007
I grew up in Newport, Pennsylvania the home of Billy Cox so of course I was a big Brooklyn Dodger fan.
My GOD comfort his wife and family at this time.
Mike and George"Shotgun"Shuba Shuba
March 6, 2007
We are sorry to hear of the lost of such a great man...Clem was upfrount with everything, a straight shooter, A great guy and competitor..He will be missed but always remembered.
Thanks for the time spent at the Dodger reunion..in aug.
God bless Mr. Clem Labine, Barb and Family.
Paula McCarthy
March 6, 2007
Dear Barbara and Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed living next door and sharing our evenings across the decks in RI. I lost Bob last February 15, 2006. I will keep you and Clem's family in my prayers. Sincerely, Paula McCarthy
Charlie Arinello
March 6, 2007
Our sincere condolences to all the Labine Family. A great ball player and a credit to the city of Woonsocket and the State Of Rhode Island.
Charlie & Marie Arinello
Smithfield, Virginia
Tina & Mark Ricard
March 5, 2007
Our deepest sympathies to Mr. Labine's family and friends.
We will keep all in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Tina (Lussier) Ricard & Mark Ricard
(Friends of Mr. Labine's daughter, Kim)
Jack Schnee
March 5, 2007
My sincere sympathies for the Labine family.I saw him pitch many times as a young man in Brooklyn. He was a true part of the Boy's of Summer.He will always be remembered for his part in those glory days of the Brooklyn Dodgers
Al Musso
March 5, 2007
My sincerest condolences to the entire Labine family. Though his lifetime acheivements and military service are exemplary, his character, friendship, and his love for others will always stand out in my mind. He was a close friend of my father, the late Charles Musso. May the love of the Lord Jesus surround you during this difficult time. Hold onto Him, and the wonderful memories.
Dick Blazejewski
March 5, 2007
My most sincere sympathy goes out to the entire Labine family.I met Mr.Labine only once,however I went to High School and College with his daughters,Gail and Barbara.
Judging by the type of people they
were,Mr Labine had to of been a wonderfull man.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
March 5, 2007
YOU DID A GREAT JOB, REAST IN PEACE CLEM
Thomas Talbert
March 5, 2007
My deepest sympathy. In my pre-teen youth the Dodgers were my heroes and Clem Labine was one one of them. He is part of my memories and always will be.
Camille Fazah
March 4, 2007
Dear Barbara
Sorry for yor loss.
G.Gail Davis
March 4, 2007
Our sinsere condolences to Barbara, Susan, and the Labine Family. Susan, we will always remember the story of Clem's friendship with Jackie Robinson.
Gail and Carol Davis
Susan and Dick Jacques
March 4, 2007
Our hearts go out to Barbara, Susan, and Clem's children. Clem was the finest man we have even met. He was a gentle and humble man. He had a quick wit and never a bad word to say about anyone. We will miss you, Clem, but we will see you in that "big baseball" in the Sky.
Dan & Mary DUNN
March 4, 2007
Our heartfelt sympathy to Barbara, Susan and the Labine family.
DICK PAULHUS
March 4, 2007
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. GROWING UP IN THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD AS CLEM IN WOONSOCKET, WE HAD SOME CONTACT AS YOUNG KIDS PLAYING BALL AT BERNON PARK AND HE WAS ALWAYS A GOOD GUY TO HAVE ON YOUR TEAM. I WAS GLAD HE MADE IT BIG AND MOST OF ALL THAT HE NEVER GOT A SWELLED HEAD OVER HIS SUCCESS. THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM IN VERO BEACH AT THE BALL FIELD HE WAS JUST AS CONGENIAL AS WHEN WE WERE KIDS. I'LL SAY AN EXTRA PRAYER FOR HIM TONIGHT. HE WAS A GREAT DODGER & VILLA NOVAN
Bill Whiteley
March 4, 2007
Dear Barbara I am so sorry to hear about Clem . A great guy , many memories way back at Kirkbrae . Bless you and the family
Julia
March 4, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marsha Moore
March 4, 2007
Just last week I found a picture of Mr. Labine and my Dad. He had stopped by my Dad's barber shop in Albemarle, NC. I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Labine and my Dad meet again.
Mike Dugan
March 3, 2007
Growing up in Indianapolis I was a dye in the wool Brooklyn Dodgers fan when I collected baseball cards.
Later in the mid the 1980's while suffering from thyroid cancer Clem honored my request for his autograph.A real class gentlemen and a super relief pitcher on the baseball field.
May the dear Lord bless the Labine family in the days ahead.
LENNY FERGUSON
March 3, 2007
BEING RAISED IN THE SAME CITY HAD SPECIAL MEANING AND SOMEONE WE COULD LOOK UP TO. DUE TO THE WEATHER IN NEW ENGLAND, A LOT OF PLAYERS NEVER REACHED YOUR STATURE. THANK YOU CLEM. YOU ARE IN MY " FIELD OF DREAMS "
Bill Fead
March 3, 2007
Thanks for your Military Service.
Past Commander V.F.W.
Leon Hirsh
March 3, 2007
Having grown up in Cincinnati, I admired Clem's masterful pitching skills from the confines of old Crosley Field. Those Dodger teams were a treat to watch. Unfortunately, they're all approaching age 80 or beyond and , from time to time, we must bid them adieu. Preacher Rowe is trying hard to outlive all of them. He turned 91 last week. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Labine family (I'm just a fan).
Richard H. Herrick
March 3, 2007
Hi, Clem Labine I' m sorry. I saw Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers 5 World Series on TV. My family went to Ebbert Field in Brooklyn in Auugust of 1952.Ilove Brooklyn Dodgers. I missed you.
Gary and Michelle Jacques
March 3, 2007
Our hearts and prayers go out to Barbara and the whole Labine family.
Though we've only known Clem for a short time, it seemed like a lifetime.
We got to know Clem in Florida. He was a great person to know and one hell of a cribbage player.
We will miss you.
Sam and Jackie Corio
March 3, 2007
to Barbara and Labine family. Sorry for your loss.Clem was always a great guy on and off the field. Always had a smile for you. He will be sorely missed.
Mike Hanlon
March 3, 2007
Dear Mrs. Labine and Family,
Kindly accept my condolences and prayers. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Labine at an autograph show in Worcester, MA some years ago along with Roger Craig and Johnny Podres. We had a wonderful conversation and took a group photo. I will also treasure my meeting Mr. Labine, a real fine baseball player and gentleman. God Bless.
LENNY TRIEDMAN
March 3, 2007
SYMPATHY TO THE LABINE FAMILY FROM A
LONGTIME FRIEND AND GOLF BUDDY.
CLEM WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN IN
SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS, I SHALL MISS HIM.
R Davis
March 3, 2007
To the Labine Family
My deep condolence to you and your family.Losing someone you love is not easy. Hold on to the memories and cherish them. Jesus Christ gave us an assured hope.-- the resurrection. May Jehovah God comfort you and your family at this time.
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